Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Roy H. and Anna Becker Diffenbach. She was the wife of Earl J. Fahnestock for 48 years on May 18.

A homemaker, Charlene was an active member of White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, and volunteered for many years at the Brethren Disaster Relief Auction. She graduated from Warwick High School in 1966, and later the Lebanon School of Nursing. She was employed as a nurse by Good Samaritan Hospital and Lancashire Hall. She owned and operated a craft store called Kountry Kits and Krafts, was a Longaberger consultant for 29 years, and was a tour and travel coordinator.

Charlene enjoyed wintering in Florida, going on cruises, and traveling to many places including Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and Africa. She also went on many Longaberger trips. Each of her big trips would result in its own scrapbook. In addition to reading, knitting, and playing games with friends and family, she enjoyed spending time with her family at their cabin, and making red velvet cupcakes with her grandchildren.

She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children: Stacy, husband of Leigh-Ann Lutz Fahnestock, of Manheim; Steve, husband of Lynette Fieger Fahnestock, of Hummelstown; Sue, wife of Steve Witmer, of Lititz; and Sheryl Fahnestock of Mozambique, Africa; six grandchildren: Alex, Melanie, Jacob, Madelyn, Ryan, and Grace; and two siblings: Jay, husband of Connie Diffenbach, and Sharon, wife of Glenn Miller, all of Lititz.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m., at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, 54 North Penryn Road, Manheim. Private interment will be in the White Oak Church of the Brethren Cemetery. The family will receive guests at the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church on Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. There will be no viewing Saturday morning. Due to limited space, a reception following the service is by invitation only.

To express a condolence with the family or to watch a webcast of the service beginning the day following the service, visit spencefuneralservices.com. William P Spence Funeral and Cremation Services, Manheim, handled the arrangements.